The Director of the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Dr. Abdul Lateef Bello, has denied allegations that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) were responsible for a recent accident at Wuse Market in Abuja.
Dr. Bello, in a statement reacting to rumours about the involvement of a Rapid Response Squad (RRS) team in the incident, clarified that while DRTS officers were present in the area as part of routine patrols, they were not the cause of the accident.
According to him, the RRS team had briefly stopped to apprehend an unpainted taxi, but changed the decision upon realizing that the driver of the taxi was an elderly man.
Shortly after, he noted that a chain-reaction collision occurred when a distracted driver, reportedly using a phone, crashed into another vehicle, which then hit a third. “Tragically, this incident resulted in one fatality.
“We mourn the loss of life and extend our condolences to the family of the deceased,” Dr. Bello stated. “However, it’s crucial to understand that our officers did not cause this accident.”
The DRTS director emphasised that the Wuse Market under bridge area is a known hotspot for “one chance” criminal activities, necessitating regular patrols.
He assured the public that these security measures would continue despite the unfortunate incident.
Bello also addressed the spread of misinformation, attributing it to the sometimes tense relationship between the directorate and the public.
He urged citizens to verify information before spreading rumors that could damage the reputation of the directorate.
“Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of lives and property on our roads,” Dr. Bello concluded. “We will continue our efforts to combat ‘one chance’ crimes and other road-related issues, always prioritising public safety.”
The DRTS has called for increased cooperation from the public and greater awareness of road safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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